Yorktown UM
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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF YORKTOWN UM CHURCH – JANUARY 2017– VOLUME 1
Love One Another 2017
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you
have love for one another.”
John 13:35
Welcome to 2017. And what happened to 2016? I feel like Rip Van Winkle
who woke up and was surprised by how much time went by. But as quickly
as the time went, we had a great year! During the summer we sent over 25
kids to camp, many of you took the challenge to read the Bible in a year,
and during this season of Advent we had a great turn out for our Advent
Study.
So, what’s next for 2017? I hope you would consider one exciting
possibility. Later in this issue Joy Grady has given instructions for
something we call “Prayer Partners.” Prayer Partners is the way that we
connect people in one-on-one relationships where we can encourage one
another in our daily walk with Christ. As a disciple of Jesus, you are called
to bear the burdens of other followers of Christ (while also allowing others
to bear your burdens). Taking regular time to open your life to another is
one of the most transformative choices you can make. If you have taken
part in this opportunity…welcome back! Last year, we received feedback
that a few simple guidelines would be helpful. Joy Grady will provide
instructions if needed.
Disciples of Jesus are never called to be stagnant. We are always called to
grow through the grace of Jesus. But growth rarely happens on accident!
Consider getting a Prayer Partner, finding a Bible Reading Plan and/or
establishing a new Spiritual Discipline. Need advice? I would love to be
your Discipleship Concierge. Give me an email or call and we can get
together to make 2017 your best year yet!
Godspeed,
Pastor Peter
Church Events

January 3--5:30 p.m., Lydia
Circle at Pizza King; 7:00
p.m., Meeting, TFL; Board
of Ministry 7p.m.

January 5—7 p.m., Trustees
Meeting

January 7—4 p.m. YUMC
Get Away Epworth Forest

January 8--11:15 a.m., Ladies Who Munch, Johnny
Carinos.

January 9—8:30 a.m., Ladies Breakfast at Osborns.

January 20—February
Newsletter Deadline

January 24 – 4-7:00 p.m.,
Community Dinner at
YUMC Fellowship Hall.
Persecuted Christians
Acts 2:21
“And it shall come to
Taken from material supplied by Open Doors
pass that whoever
As a former Muslim in Bahrain who is now trusting in Christ, Hamad is calls on the name of
persecuted by his own family for his faith. He cannot attend Christian
the Lord shall be
worship services or Bible studies without hiding his activities, and is also
saved”
harassed by community leaders since his conversion.
While believers like Hamad don’t have outward freedom in Bahrain, Hamad and others have been
set free in Christ. Their witness to those around them can never be stifled, in spite of the fanatic
efforts of the Islamic enforcers in their families and communities. Hamad and other Christians in
his country stand firm on the promises of God, regardless of man’s efforts to stop them.
In our experience the government in Bahrain is currently more occupied with the Sunni-Shia
differences than with Christians. The pressure really seems to come from family and community.
YUMC Update
Peggy Nale thanks you for the visits, cards, and
especially your prayers.
Zara Lacey thanks everyone for their prayers,
cards, well wishes, Pastor’s visits, and food while
she was recuperating from a fall.
Ron and Faustine King celebrated their 65th
wedding anniversary on December 15.
Art and Bonnie Hoy celebrated their 60th
wedding anniversary on December 20.
Rev. David Abel sent a Christmas card with a
donation because he appreciates the YUMC
Newsletter—format, and information about the
members which he remembers as a former
pastor.
Trey Miller, Carol Ward’s grandson and Marci/
Roger Miller’s son, is the place kicker for the
Oakland, California Bishop O’Dowd H.S. football
team. His team is the 2016 California State High
School Football Champion.
Austin Parkinson, grandson of Sue Parkinson and
the late Violet Beouy, coached his IUPUI Lady Jags
to a 67-62 victory over Purdue’s Boilermakers at
Mackey Arena . The first Summit League program
to knock off the Boilermakers.
Shirley McCall and son Tom (Shirley was home for
Christmas) took a tour of the church then visited
with some YUMC members at Pizza King.
Warmth for Cancer Patients
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Cancer
Center would like to thank the YUMC Lydia
Circle for the generous donation of blankets for distribution to our patients. These
gifts provide warmth and love to the body,
heart and spirit of those receiving them
and are very much appreciated.
YUMC Carolers Warm
the Hearts of Shut-ins
Board of Ministry Minutes
October 4, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.
Meeting held in church basement classroom.
Attendees - Nancy Riegle Linda Riegle, Debbie Nale, Earl Luke, Dave Ober, Barb Baker, Mary Groves, Ron Groves,
Judy Gernand, Sharon Wills Jessica Ward, Vicki Brinson, Mary Jo Estep, Garry Reff, Ella Reff, Peter Curts, Gayle
Gernand.
Purpose of Meeting:
Equipping People for the Bold Adventure of Life. . . It Starts with Jesus
Loving – Devotions & Prayer – Gayle opened with prayer and read from Jesus Calling reminding us to thank and
praise in the midst of troubling times.
Minutes from the August 9, 2016 Board of Ministry meeting were provided electronically prior to this meeting.
The minutes were approved as written.
Learning – Pastor Peter - The district has asked churches to set goals. Pastor passed post-it note pads and
asked each member to write down 2-3 goals for our church. Goals were categorized and summarized. Some goals
shared were unity, missions (including trips), increased attendance, and book of the month promotions from the library.
Leading – Celebrate what’s happening?
Important Updates –
165th Anniversary of YUMC – October 23. Plans are underway by Joanne, Barb and Madelyn.
Camping for Everyone Retreat – Peter proposed a Jan or Feb opportunity for an all-church overnight at
one of the beautiful lodges at Epworth Forest. What do we want that to be and what would we do for activities there.
Gayle suggested an emphasis on fun and fellowship. Discussion followed as to whether or not to hold this on a Fri/
Sat. or Sat./Sun. Concerns were expressed about an empty church without leaders if we were gone on a Sunday
morning. Pastor, Gayle and others will work on this and details be will forthcoming.
Charge Conference November 6 at High Street UMC. Time is 3:30p
Advent – 7:00 & 11:00 Christmas Eve services will be held.
Nominations – Gayle presented the YUMC Governing Board with Leadership Teams included. This
Teaming w/ leaders will replace nomination of individuals as in the past. The document is a part of these
minutes and is tentative at this time. It is noted that the Pastor oversees church employees.
Isaiah-Hope in an Uncertain World- Many compliments were received on Pastor Peter on Sunday’s
sermon. His desire is for the church to be a place of Hope.
Facilities - some discussion on a coffee bar like Gethsemane UMC to be held on the same floor as
the sanctuary to encourage more participation on Fellowship Sundays. Plans and ideas are being reviewed.
There is a desire to move toward a more informal fellowship.
Financial Peace – there are still openings for additional members to participate. Allison is starting a new
session at the first of the year for those who prefer that it not be on a Sunday.
Team Updates
Pastor/Parish – Gayle reporting for Jim Wills
The two positions that are open for Director of Family Ministry and Leader of Worship & Music have been
posted through various venues, colleges, etc. We are actively seeking applications.
Finance - Gayle reporting for John Chaille & Ron Fauquher
There will be a three-week stewardship campaign in November. While there is generally a $600 deficit at
this time of year, there is none this year. All debts and obligations are paid. $7700 was received for camp ministries
and the amount was spent on 27 youth going to camp at full tuition. It was noted that we budget for missions. Special
offerings are additional.
Education – Jessica Ward
Christmas shoe box ministry is underway. Shoeboxes are collected and the focused needs for each
Sunday have been included in the weekly bulletins Christmas season skits are being prepared by the kids. The team
is looking at having a VBS during Christmas break in 2017
Continued on the following page.
Board of Ministry Minutes Continued
Media & Communications – Dave Ober reporting.
Vicki Brinson reported that a wireless printer has been acquired for the church library (room 16). It has
scanning capabilities too. The access no. for the wireless printer is 12345678. Ron and Dave went to Gethsemane to see their signage and fellowship areas since their remodeling. They have a coffee bar offering coffee and
donuts. Ron has drawn some proposals for a coffee area that he foresees at the back of the sanctuary. He had
pictures to share and those were passed around at the meeting. These are for speculation and give an understanding of possibilities. Directional signage guiding people into the specific church areas are needed from all
sides of our building. Ron drew some proposed pictures of his ideas. He stated that if a budget can be determined the signs can be created within the budget.
Nurturing This team continues to send cards to shut-ins, greetings of support and encouragement to our college
students and members of the military. Contact Joyce Parkison with names, addresses and phone numbers.
Worship – Garry Reff
Upcoming observances in worship services are noted: October 16 is Laity Sunday. November 6 All
Saints Day, November 13, Veteran’s Day.
Trustees – no report
Service/Outreach
Community Dinner – Barb reported that the September dinner in the church fellowship hall went well.
97 people attended. There were 18 deliveries to shut-ins. She was pleased with the number of people who
came, ate their meal and stayed to visit with each other. Barb thanked Ron Groves for the new signs that direct
people to the church and into the proper entry doors. Ball State University student volunteers are coming to
help for a few months earning service hours. Barb says these helpers are great and much appreciated.
REACH – Nancy Riegle attended the REACH board meeting. We are needed to help with the food distribution on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Efforts will be made to get workers from our congregation so that
they can plan on our help. Nancy reports that our church gives the most in dollar donations than other churches in Yorktown. ReachYorktown.com is the website for this ministry.
Covenant Partners Church – Earl reported that 28 bags of personal needs items were delivered to
Partners in July along with 123 single items. 25 in August. 25 bags per month is our goal. Community Day for
distributions in Nov. and Dec. are Nov. 16 so items needed by 13 & 14. Distribution day for Dec. is Dec. 21 so
items need to be ready by the 20th. The bags are needed earlier due to the holidays.
Community Outreach – Mary Jo thanked those that turned out to support YUMC during the Homecoming Parade by riding or walking with the float, and donating bottles of water and candy. A special thanks also to
the Spanglers and Esteps for their additional help. Look for sign up opportunities coming for the luminary walk
in December.
Future BoM Meeting Dates: Normally the 2nd Tuesday of month at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting will be Tuesday Feb. 21 at 7:00. (Avoiding Valentine’s Day)
Tuesday, May 9 2017 at 7:00 p..
Tuesday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Gernand
**************************************
YUMC Adults and Youth Attend Civic Theater’s
Presentation, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” It was a sell out crowd!
Good News!
Dave Parkison has accepted the position of YUMC Historian. Dave is interested in our history,
and I know he will preserve our past for our future generations. Thanks to all of you who
helped and encouraged me for almost three years. Dick enjoyed writing the articles, and it
was a privilege to reprint many of them. Happy New Year!
Joanne Groves
Yorktown Luminary
Festival
Thank you to Joy Sours, Carol
Spangler, Judy St. John, Loretta
Hiatt & Jade, Steve and Gayle
Gernand, Linda and Nancy Reigle
and Carol Ward for volunteering
their time at the pop corn
station during the Yorktown
Luminary December 10. We popped between
23 & 24 pounds of popcorn and gave away
close to 350 bags of popcorn. We had a great
time. Also thank you to Barb Baker for taking
the popcorn machine down Saturday evening.
Yorktown Manor
Thank you to all who donated to our giving
tree for the residents at Yorktown Manor. The
items will be delivered the week before
Christmas. The residents will be so grateful for
you generosity and caring.
The Out Reach committee
YUMC Community Meal
On December 27, seventy-six meals were
served; 10 volunteers were so appreciated—
Linda Riegle, Carol Ward, Cathy Beach, Nancy
Riegle, Mary Jo Estep, Danny Irwin, Al Baker
and Earl and Louise Luke who made the 10
deliveries; and the members who donated
the desserts. Special thanks to all of you.
Christmas Food Baskets
Thank you to everyone in the
Yorktown UMC congregation who
contributed non-perishable food
items and/or money to help fill our
68 Christmas food baskets. Also a
big thank you to the Mount Pleasant
Elementary school teachers and
children, and the Yorktown Library
patrons for all their food collections.
A special thank you to Boy Scout Troop #69 for
preparing breakfast and helping fill the
Christmas Baskets on Saturday, December 10
and to the UM Women (Judy St. John, Mary Jo
Estep, Cheryl Fauquher, Carol Spangler and Barb
Baker) with the help of Vaugh Townsend for
preparing breakfast on Saturday, December 17
(delivery date). Also, thanks to Art Hoy for
providing the trucking needs in getting the food
items to the church, Art’s neighbor and Dave
Parkison for helping load & unload the items,
and to those in the congregation who helped fill
and deliver the baskets. It couldn’t be done
without everyone’s help. (Special Thanks to
Chairman, Lance Estep)
Salvation Army Kettle
Thanks to all the individuals, couples, families,
and groups who came out to ring the bell on
the four weekends from Nov. 25 thru Dec. 17.
Thanks to Phil Bonneau and Al Baker for their
organization skills.
Barb Baker
REACH & Covenant Partners:
Thanks to our congregation for all your generous
donations in 2016. Thank you for the financial donations and cleaning supplies to Covenant Partners in
reaching our goals of 25 bags each month in 2016. (REACH Dec. Donations: soups, Jiffy muffin mixes,
macaroni & cheese boxes, cereals, peanut butters, spaghetti and meatballs, potatoes, cans of vegetables, cans of raviolis, fruit drinks, pastas, spaghetti sauce, cookies and hand lotion.
YUMC Governing Board Notes
Monday, November 28, 2016
Present: Peter Curts, Kristin Fowler, Ryan Gernand, Ron Fauquher, Jim Wills, Tim Spangler, and Gayle
Gernand. John Chaille sent his regrets.
Gayle Gernand welcomed those present. Peter Curts led the group in a devotional discussion based on Philippians 4:4-7, “What Are You Thankful For?”
Those present reviewed the role and function of the governing board in the past. Most recently the governing board was composed of the Governing Board Chair, Board of Ministry Chair, Trustees Chair, Staff Parish Relations Chair, and the pastor. That current YUMC Governing Board of Ron Fauquher, Gayle Gernand,
Tim Spangler, Jim Wills, and Pastor Peter Curts believes it would be beneficial to create a broader based
governing board.
The governing board is a decision making and policy making group with decisions tied to the mission and
vision of the church. The governing board should also have a final say on major decisions. The larger decisions of broader impact should come to the governing board, with the functional committees handling the
day-to-day functions. Major decisions include those decisions that are related to non-budgeted items and
activities.
The governing board is responsible for defining the goals, the missions, and the resources to work within
given boundaries. Teams and committees bringing ideas to the governing board need to come with as
much information as possible. The governing board may ask for additional information. The role of the governing board will be to make the executive decisions. They will be more strategic than tactical.
Jim Wills made a motion and it was seconded by Tim Spangler to move to a broader based governing
board as described below. All four voting members of the current governing board voted affirmatively to this
decision.
The new governing board will officially go into effect in January 2017. The YUMC Governing Board will consist of the Lay Leader/Board of Ministry Chair, Trustees Chair or Representative, Finance Chair or Representative, Treasurer, Staff Parrish Chair or Representative, Family Representative, Older Adult Representative, Young Adult Representative, Pastor (non-voting) and Secretary (non-voting).
Gayle Gernand was nominated, and agreed to serve as the facilitator of the YUMC Governing Board for
2017. The facilitator role includes setting up the meetings, creating the agenda with input from other members, and notifying member of the meetings.
The Governing Board meetings will be held every other month on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm
in the Pastor’s office at the church. The meeting pattern will normally be January, March, May, July, September, and November. Additional meetings will be called as needed.
Ryan Gernand suggested that information be shared in advance of the meetings so participants can review,
and be better prepared to respond. Gayle Gernand suggested using a shared Google folder to communicate agendas and sharing materials. (Members of the governing board may find it helpful to bring a laptop
or device to the meetings, but it is not required.)
It was also suggested that the YUMC Governing Board create a pattern for addressing important church
related issues:
January - Visioning
March - Strategic Review
May - Strategic Planning
July - Policy
September - Nominations
November - Budget
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Gayle Gernand
Trustees Request: If you or your group
uses the kitchen (bible studies, meetings,
scouts, etc.), it is your responsibility to
clean-up the area and take out the trash.
Thank you.
350 Sacks of Popcorn
Given Out at Yorktown Luminary Festival
68 Christmas Food Boxes filled and delivered to Mount Pleasant
Township Citizens. Thanks to everyone who contributed,
Lance Estep, Chairman
Yorktown United Methodist Church
2301 South Broadway Street
P.O. Box 217
Yorktown, Indiana 47396
Change Service Requested
Postmaster—Dated Material
Please Deliver by January 6, 2017
January Birthdays
1-2 Vaughn Townsend
1-21 Laura Fowler
1-4 Peter Curts
1-23 Bridget Flanagan
1-4 John Lillie
1-23 Lauren Hensley
1-6 Donna Kiefert
1-24 Ryan Gernand
1-8 Charles Woolums
1-24 Jan Ledbetter
1-11 Rosemary Lillie
1-24 Sam Miller
1-16 Earl Luke
1-26 Gary Campbell
1-17 Woody Sears
1-28 Joyce Parkison
1-20 Jennifer Fauquher
1-29 Bev Southerland
1-21 Ron King
2-02 Bob Flanagan
2-11 Cophine Shideler
2-12 Odie Sutherland